Manager Ruben Amorim contends that altering Man Utd's formation due to media pressure would have been "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his trademark back three formation with wide defenders and instead use an standard back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this at times transformed into a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his squad dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once memorably said that even the Pope could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to play with alternative setups has consistently been part of his plan.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were performing at an acceptable level - or else it would appear as if he was succumbing to outside criticism.
"At the time I came here last season, I recognized perhaps I didn't possess the squad to play well in that system, but it was the start of a journey," he stated.
"The goal was to build an philosophy. Now is a different juncture. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we need adapt, so they see why we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the influence of the media, or the fans.
"Whenever you talk about altering the system constantly, I cannot change because the players will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"Once we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the moment to evolve.
"This will help us grow into a stronger team because when our full complement of players are available, we are not intending to employ three defenders all the time."
Availability Challenges Loom Large
With only two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven senior players already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his boss to allow him to return after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
Fernandes' Influence Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely still be deeply engaged, as while most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on providing input.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. After he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Players
While the precise timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
